Thieves in the Temple

Prince

About Thieves in the Temple

"Thieves in the Temple" is a song by American musician Prince from the 1990 soundtrack album, Graffiti Bridge. Added at the last minute, it was the final song recorded for the album. "Thieves in the Temple" topped the US R&B chart and became a number six hit in the US, and a number seven hit in the UK. The single also peaked at number 9 on the dance chart. The track has a unique sound, starting quietly with echoed keyboards and vocals before the main section of the song booms in with a pulsating synth bass, syncopated drum machines, Middle Eastern melodies and opera-like layered vocals. Prince also samples a harmonica solo from a recording by The Chambers Brothers. The vocals are emotional, and accuse the subject of rejecting Prince and lying to him. The "temple" in the title recalls the ever-present spirituality in many of Prince's songs. The maxi single contains extended lyrics that continue the theme before diverging into more dance-oriented material. The maxi single also contains a Junior Vasquez remix called "Thieves in the House", which is distinctly more dance-oriented. It also contains samples from earlier Prince songs "Eye No" and "Batdance", as well as a dub version of the house track. The music video for the song was pulled from the film, but an extended video exists which mirrors the extended remix. 


Year:
1993
3:19
102 
#1

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Love come quick
Love come in a hurry
There are thieves in the temple tonight

They don't care where they kick
Just as long as they hurt you
There are thieves in the temple tonight

Love if you're there come save me
From all this cold despair
I can hang when you're around
But I'll surely die
If you're not there

Love come quick
Love come in a hurry
There are thieves in the temple tonight

I feel like I'm looking for my soul (Soul)
Like a poor man looking for gold (Gold)
There are thieves in the temple tonight

Voices from the sky say rely on your best friend to pull you through
But even if I wanted to I couldn't really truly 'cause my only friend is you

Come on

There are thieves in the temple tonight

Kicking me in my heart, tearing me all apart
(Tearing me, tearing me, tearing me all apart)
'Cause me and you could have been a work of art
Thieves in the temple

Baby don't you know I'm holding on
The best that I can
Love please help me be
The better man

Better than the thieves in the temple
In the temple tonight

Oh, thieves in the temple (Tonight) tonight
Hurt me

Love come quick
Love come in a hurry
There are thieves in the temple tonight

Thieves in the temple

You said you loved me! (Thieves in the temple)
You said I was your friend! (Thieves in the temple)
You were supposed to take care of me! (Love come quick) {Thieves in the
Temple}
You lie! Love come (Lie!) in a hurry (Lie!)

Thieves in the temple tonight

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Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson (born June 7, 1958 - found dead in his home April 21, 2016. He died of an accidental overdose of the drug fentanyl), was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Known by his mononym Prince, he was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and actor. He produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. He wrote several hundred songs plus produced and recorded his own music for his own music label. Prince had a wide vocal range and was known for his flamboyant stage presence and costumes. His releases sold over 100 million copies worldwide. He won seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year he was eligible. Ro… more »

24 fans

Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Chart Success
"Thieves in the Temple" was released as a single on July 17, 1990. The song became a hit, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard R&B chart in the USA.
Album Appearance
The song is a part of Prince's soundtrack album "Graffiti Bridge" for the film of the same name which was also directed by him.
Music Video Feature
The music video for the song is heavily influenced by West Side Story and features Prince and The Time's keyboardist, Tommy Barbarella.
Song's Theme
"Thieves in the Temple" discusses betrayal and dishonesty, presumably inspired by some of the disloyalties and contradictions Prince was dealing with in his life at the time.
Unique Song Structure
Despite its commercial success, the song has a somewhat unconventional structure and dark, complex melody compared to many of Prince's other hits.
Notable Remixes
The remix version of the song is significantly longer than the album version and contains a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder.
Prince's Performance
Prince showcased his multi-instrumentalist skills in "Thieves in the Temple," playing the drums, keyboard, guitar, and other instruments.
Mixed Review
Critics gave the song mixed reviews, with some applauding Prince's genre-blending abilities, while others were less impressed by its more experimental elements.
Nominated Award
The song was nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the 33rd Grammy Awards but did not win.
Cultural Impact
The track has been covered and sampled by several artists, showcasing its lasting impression on pop culture.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1990

    Billboard #6


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